Reeding Between The Lines

Latest Episodes:

📚 April Wrap-Up + Are Book Clubs Worth It? Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

April flew by, and we’re wrapping it up with all the books we loved (and didn’t!) this month! 📚 Plus, we dive into a big question: Are book clubs really a good idea? Whether you’re already in a book club or thinking about joining one, we’re sharing the pros, cons, and tips for making the experience more fun and less stressful.Grab a cozy drink and settle in for this bookish conversation! ☕✨🔗 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more cozy chats and book recommendations every week!💬 Tell us in the comments: Are you in a book club? Love it or hate it?📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:Instagram: @reedingpodYouTube: / @reedingbetweenthelines Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...📓 Free Book Tracker: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit...#BookClubDiscussion

#AprilReadingWrapUp #BookRecommendations #CozyReads #ReadingCommunity #BookishChat #ReedingBetweenTheLinesPodcast #BookTalk #BookClubProblems #BookReview #MonthlyWrapUp

Baking Magic & Finding Home: Cozy Fantasy with Author J. Penner Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

In this cozy, heartwarming episode of Reeding Between the Lines, I sit down with bestselling cozy fantasy author J. Penner to talk about her delightful new book, A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic. Set in the enchanting world of Adenashire, J. Penner’s novel follows a human confectionist who stirs up more than just pastries as she competes in a magical elven bake-off.

We dive into:
✨ How J. Penner blends fantasy, baking, and feel-good vibes
🍰 The inspiration behind her charming main character, Arleta Starstone
📖 Why cozy fantasy is having a moment—and how she crafts her stories to feel like a warm hug
🐾 Writing rituals (hint: cats and tea are involved)

If you love cozy fantasy, baking competitions, or just need a serotonin boost, this episode is for you!

🧁 Grab J. Penner’s book: https://jpennerauthor.com/
📲 Follow her on Instagram: @jpennerauthor
🎧 Follow and review the podcast to help more book lovers find our cozy corner of the internet!

📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:
Instagram: @reedingpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReedingBetweenTheLines
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935
📓 Free Book Tracker: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

#CozyFantasy #AuthorInterview #BookPodcast #FantasyBooks #FeelGoodReads #BakingMagic #JPenner #BooksToRead

Wild at Heart: Safari Stories, Animal Encounters & a Love for Wildlife with Lisa Roberti Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

n this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, we're stepping out of the library and into the wild with the passionate and adventurous Lisa Roberti. A wildlife advocate, storyteller, and photographer, Lisa has spent over 30 years exploring wildlife-rich destinations around the world—especially Africa, where she now spends several months each year on safari.

Lisa shares unforgettable stories from the field, introduces us to some of the most memorable animals she’s encountered, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she’s turning her wild adventures into compelling books and an African Safari Planner. We also sneak in some book talk—because you know we had to ask her what fiction she’s reading!

Whether you're an animal lover, an armchair traveler, or someone who just loves a good story, this episode will inspire your sense of wonder and wanderlust.

🦁 Topics We Cover:

How storytelling and photography help raise awareness for conservation
Behind the lens: Lisa’s favorite safari moments
The unexpected power of learning through curiosity
Fiction recommendations with a wild twist
Why every animal has a story worth telling

📸 Connect with Lisa Roberti:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lisamroberti/

Website + Blog + Shop: https://lisamroberti.com/

📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:

Instagram: @reedingbetweenthelinespod
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935
📓 Grab your Free Book Tracker Spreadsheet: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

Pitch Perfect: Danette Kubanda on How Authors Can Land Media That Matters Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, I’m joined by Emmy-winning TV producer turned media coach, Danette Kubanda. With two decades of experience booking guests for shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, HGTV, and more, Danette now helps authors and entrepreneurs become the kind of media guests producers want to book.

We talk all things publicity—how to craft a great pitch, tie your book into trending topics, land media even without a big following, and show up like a pro when the spotlight hits. If you're an author or aspiring expert ready to grow your visibility and make a real impact, this conversation is packed with gold.

Connect with Danette:

https://danettekubanda.net/ or https://www.instagram.com/kubandad/

📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:

Instagram: @reedingbetweenthelinespod
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935
📓 Grab your Free Book Tracker Spreadsheet: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

🎧 Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow the show—it helps more bookish folks find us!

Writing Between Cultures & Deadly Plot Twists with Author Gloria Chao Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, Sara sits down with bestselling author Gloria Chao, whose books—like American Panda, Rent a Boyfriend, and When You Wish Upon a Lantern—are beloved for their humor, heart, and honest exploration of cultural identity. Gloria shares her journey from dentistry to writing, how she brings complex characters to life, and what inspires the stories she tells.

We also dive into her brand-new genre shift with her upcoming thriller, The Ex-Girlfriends’ Murder Club, releasing on June 24, 2025! Gloria gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her first foray into mystery and suspense, while keeping the voice and heart that fans know and love.

Plus: favorite reads, how she navigates family expectations, and advice for aspiring writers.

🧋 Topics We Cover:

From rom-coms to thrillers: how Gloria’s writing has evolved
Writing identity and humor in YA fiction
What readers can expect from The Ex-Girlfriends’ Murder Club
Book recommendations from Gloria
Her best advice for writers exploring cultural themes

📖 Connect with Gloria Chao:

Instagram: @gloriacchao
Website: https://gloriachao.wordpress.com

📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:

Instagram: @reedingbetweenthelinespod
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935
📓 Grab your Free Book Tracker Spreadsheet: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

🎧 Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow the show—it helps more bookish folks find us!

Last Ferry Out: Andrea Bartz on Isolation, Obsession, and Her Most Chilling Thriller Yet Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Andrea Bartz to talk about her upcoming release, Last Ferry Out—a gripping psychological thriller set on a storm-battered island where nothing is as it seems. We dive into the real-life inspiration behind the story, how Andrea builds twisty, emotionally rich plots, and the haunting themes of grief, secrecy, and survival that drive this latest novel. If you're a fan of thrillers with atmosphere, heart, and jaw-dropping reveals, this conversation is for you.

Find us on Instagram at @reedingpod

or Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@ReedingBetweenTheLines

Discover Andrea at https://www.andreabartz.com/

One Month, Five Books: The Good, the Great, and the Meh Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

LISTEN NOW Apple ⁠podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935⁠ Instagram⁠ instagram.com/reedingpod⁠

Free Book Tracker⁠ reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker⁠

Spotify⁠ open.spotify.com/show/5Tslw66002aTNMINx8cSf0

BOOKS:

Teller of small fortunes Julie Leong - Nov 2024, puboished by ACE

***Note: at the time of the recording I mention that the main character in this novel experieices cultural adversity. I am further in the book and want to mention that the character experpeicnes acts of rcism and bullying. By no means did I intend to downplay that.

Ex Marks The Spot by Gloria Chao - Viking Press

Significant Others - by Zoe Eisenberg, MIRA 2/6/24

Bad Publicity Bianca Gillam - Penguin out in us on May 20, 2025

How To Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley, published by Pamela Dorman Books in June 2024

The Feast by Margaret Kennedy, published by Faber and Faber in 1950

" Broken Country " by Clare Leslie Hall, published by Simon and Schuster on March 4, 2025

The Jackal’s Mistress, written by Chris Bahjalian and published by Doubleday on March 11, 2025

Penitence, a debut novel by Kristen Kovacs, published by Celedon on January 28, 2025

Redefining Vision: Tarik Williams on Purpose Beyond Sight Mar 30, 2025

Show notes

When life took an unexpected turn, Tarik Williams didn’t just adapt—he transformed. In this inspiring episode, Tarik shares how losing his sight at sixteen led him to discover a deeper vision for his life. From aspiring NBA player to mindset coach and podcast host, he opens up about resilience, purpose, and the power of redefining what it means to truly see.

🎧 LISTEN NOW

Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935

Instagram instagram.com/reedingpod

Free Book Tracker reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

Spotify open.spotify.com/show/5Tslw66002aTNMINx8cSf0

FIND TARIK WILLIAMS

https://wearevisionofhope.com/about

https://www.instagram.com/wearevisionofhope/

Speak Your Vision Podcast Host

When Friendships Fracture: Author Zoe Eisenberg’s Island-Inspired Debut Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Zoe Eisenberg—writer, award-winning filmmaker, and circus producer based on Hawai’i Island—to talk about her emotionally rich debut novel, Significant Others. Zoe’s creative work has been supported by Tribeca Studios and Netflix, and her storytelling spans from PBS screens to aerial silks with Aerial Arts Hawai’i, a queer and allied circus collective she co-founded.

We dive into the heart of Significant Others, a poignant story about two best friends whose deep bond is tested over nine transformative months. Set against a lush Hawaiian backdrop, the novel unpacks the beauty and heartbreak of evolving friendships, shifting identities, and what happens when the life you planned with someone starts to unravel. If you've ever grieved a friendship or felt the growing pains of change, this one’s for you.

🎧 LISTEN NOW

Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935

Instagram instagram.com/reedingpod

Free Book Tracker reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker

Spotify open.spotify.com/show/5Tslw66002aTNMINx8cSf0

FIND ZOE

https://zoeeisenberg.com/

https://www.instagram.com/zoeisenberg/

How Shawn Speakman Turned Adversity into Fantasy Gold - Author Interview Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

📚 From Battling Cancer to Building Worlds — Meet Shawn Speakman, the powerhouse behind Grim Oak Press and The Signed Page!

After facing down over $200,000 in medical debt, Shawn didn’t just survive—he THRIVED, launching the bestselling anthology Unfettered and transforming his passion for fantasy into a publishing empire.

👑 In 2023, he took things next level, partnering with Skybound Entertainment (you know, the legends behind The Walking Dead and Invincible) to publish The King-Killing Queen—a fantasy epic that kicks off the Old World Tales trilogy.

🗡️ We sat down for an epic chat about his journey, his love for fantasy, and all the behind-the-scenes magic from @emeraldcitycomiccon.

✨ If you love stories of resilience, world-building, and the power of words, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

🎧 LISTEN NOW

https://shawnspeakman.com/

https://www.instagram.com/shawncspeakman

https://www.patreon.com/c/ShawnSpeakman/membership

https://grimoakpress.com/

#PodcastDrop #ShawnSpeakman #FantasyBooks #AuthorLife #GrimOakPress #TheSignedPage #KingKillingQueen #FantasyFiction #BookLovers #EmeraldCityComicCon #IndieAuthor #NewPodcastEpisode

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